If your flight is delayed and you have to kill time before an onward flight, or if you simply arrive in plenty of time before your departure, don't just resign yourself to a long wait that is no good for impatient travellers or for ordinary mortals. The time-honoured way of killing time is to stretch your legs and have a little snooze to get over the jet lag. This may be the usual practice, but it is not to say that it is your only option.

Madrid's airport sees the largest volume of passengers in Spain. Each day hundreds of thousands of people pass through its four terminals (and a satellite building) with a wide and varied range of needs, depending on their age, purchasing power or waiting time. Thanks to its modern features, Barajas responds to these needs, with a shopping area of over 138,000 m² and an extensive leisure, eating, cultural and even prayer offer.

Commercial airports in Spain are managed by the Spanish public limited company Aena. It is the world’s leading company in the management of airport infrastructures by volume of passengers. It operates 46 airports in Spain in addition to 2 heliports, which are connected to around 90 countries and 370 destinations worldwide.

A Tour of Madrid

If you have enough time, the best thing to do is visit Madrid. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport has good public transport connections with the city.

Art Scene

Madrid is one of the most important European cities in cultural terms and its arts scene is second to none.

To give you a taste of the wonderful works to be seen in our city, Adofo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport boasts a collection of Contemporary Art owned by the Aena Foundation. The collection includes Spanish and Latin American paintings and sculptures from the latter half of the 20th century. Among these are works by other internationally-renowned artists such as: Rapto de Europa by Fernando Botero (T1), Tres Damas by Manolo Valdés (T4) and a mural by Oswaldo Guayasamín (T4).

Furthermore, in the access area to Terminal 2, between the metro and the P2 carpark, there is an area dedicated to temporary exhibitions, which usually exhibit works by young and new artists.

Express Shopping

Last-minute gifts or anything you forgot to pack can be found in the many airport shops, not only in the Duty Free store, but you can also pick up souvenirs of the city, food items, tobacco, perfume, cosmetics, and much more.

One good option for that last-minute shopping is La Bellota, but if you want to pick up a Real Madrid souvenir, we suggest heading to the official store, or if you prefer to pick up some designer clothes or accessories, make your way to the Adolfo Domínguez or Carolina Herrera boutiques, as well as other stores such as Parfois, Salvatore Ferragamo, El Ganso and Sunglass Hut.

Food and Drink

It is important to be well fed before a long flight. Fast food may be a good option and is perhaps the most common, but if you have enough time on your hands you can treat your taste buds to a proper meal as you wait for your flight.

The airport also has plenty of good options for foodies, such as Kirei Barajas by Ricardo Sanz, Gastro Hub, Urban Grill and La Mary. 

For the Little Ones

A long wait at the airport can be tough for children. The children’s play area (T2 Floor 1) is the perfect place for them to play and parents to rest.  

Another option is to go to the two children’s playrooms (T4, Floor 1 and T2 – Union Building/ Boarding Area C) which offer a free service every day, including public holidays, from 8am to 8pm. They have everything that is needed to offer the best service: slides, ball park, library, audiovisuals, kitchen with high chairs, bathtubs for babies, rest room with cots, breastfeeding room, toilets adapted for children, as well as changing mats with hygiene products.

Connected

For Internet addicts, Barajas has Wi-Fi zones for travellers who want to stay connected through their devices.  

Business Trips

Business travel forms one of the pillars of Madrid and therefore for its airport too. Its proximity to the Madrid Fair (IFEMA) and its excellent public transport connections make Barajas the perfect national hub for business trips. 

VIP Passengers

If you have the privilege of flying first or business class, you can enjoy the pleasures of special VIP areas. Here, you can avail of the catering, take a look at the newspapers, use the Internet and relax in peace and quiet, as you will receive personalised information about your flight. There are also six VIP lounges for clients. 

Sleeping in the airport or in the area surrounding

And if you are most drawn to the idea of getting a little shut-eye, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport offers room rental by the hour, with elegant modern rooms that are fully equipped, so you can sleep or rest in total comfort while you wait for your flight to depart. This service is also ideal if you wish to spend the night before your flight in the airport.

Located in Terminal T4, Floor -1, you will find the Air Rooms. A total of 21 elegant and functional rooms to spend the night or a few hours, with different options to suit your needs: overnight stay, day use (maximum of 6 hours) or shower at arrival (maximum of 1 hour).

If you prefer to sleep in the area surrounding the airport, there are also various options available. 

Currency Exchange

Barajas Airport has numerous facilities for those wishing to exchange foreign currency at the airport. The offices are located in Terminals T1, T3, T4 and T4 Satellite.

Religious worship

For passengers looking for a place of worship, the airport has three chapels: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Terminal T1. 2nd floor. Public area), Nuestra Señora de Loreto (Terminal T2. 1st floor. Public area) and Santiago (Terminal T4. 2nd floor. Public departures area). There are also two mosques and two multi-faith rooms located on Level 2 of Terminal T1 and Level 1 of Terminal T4.